Berlin-Schönefeld

Berlin-Schönefeld International Airport (IATA-Code: SXF) is one of Berlin's three main airports and is located on the southeastern edge of Berlin. Formerly East Berlin's main airport, it has become Berlin's second airport after the more central Tegel. In recent years it has become a hub for low-cost / no-frills carriers and passenger numbers are increasing rapidly.

Access

Although located just outside Berlin and the most remote of the city's three airports, Schönefeld nevertheless provides easy access to the city centre (and is far more convenient than many airports in many other cities).

The best way to get to and from Schönefeld is by train. The station - Flughafen Berlin-Schönefeld - is located a 5-10 minute walk from the terminal buildings along a half-covered walkway (400 meters / quarter of a mile). The station is served by both the S-Bahn (lines S45 and S9) and by regional trains (RE7 and RB22).

Note that before the construction of the covered walkway, a free shuttle bus was operated between the terminal building and the station. This bus service has been discontinued.

The S9 is probably your best bet - it runs up through south-eastern Berlin and cuts east-west through the city centre, taking in Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstraße, Hauptbahnhof and Zoo Station. Change at Treptower Park for destinations on the northern side of the S-Bahn ring line. For the southern side of the S-Bahn ring line take the S45.

The regional trains take the same route as the S9 and are somewhat, but run less frequently, usually at half-hourly intervals, and are not as well signposted within the station.

Note that Schönefeld Station is somewhat spartan, retaining much of its original GDR character. Access to the platforms is via an underground passageway; there are no lifts or escalators, but all platforms and the underground entrance are accessible via ramps.

Tip: purchase transport tickets in the airport terminal buildings. Facilities at the station are limited and hard to find.

BVG buses also run to and from Schönefeld. These are only useful for local locations in the south of Berlin. Both the X7 and 171 stop at Rudow (U7) which is about 10 minutes from Schönefeld.

Taxis are of course available at Schönefeld, and can be picked up outside the terminal building. A trip to the city centre will set you back somewhere in the region of €25 - €35. Make sure to get a Berlin taxi (look for a single "B" as the first letter on the license plate) - drivers from the surrounding Brandenburg region may be willing to take your fare, but might not be familiar with Berlin.

The airport website has a useful overview of public transport options.

Attractions

Schönefeld is home to the Berlin Air Show.

Flughafen Berlin-Schönefeld (Station) (0.4 km), Rudow (Station) (3.4 km)